The Dickson-Williams House

Originally the home of William Dickson,
Greeneville's first postmaster, built beginning in 1815. Dickson's daughter,
Catharine Douglas Dickson, married Dr. Alexander Williams (of Surrey Co.,
NC) and they made their home here as well. The home was known as the "Showplace
of East Tennessee", for its craftsmenship and hospitality. The grounds
included a formal garden, designed by Theodore Brinkermann who was a veteran
(drummer-boy) of the Battle of Waterloo. The Williams family entertained
many famous guest, such as Davy Crockett, Marquis de LaFayette, Andrew
Jackson, Henry Clay, President James Knox Polk, Confederate Generals Wade
Hampton and Gen. John Hunt Morgan. [See
Dickson-Williams Historic Marker]

During the War Between the States, the Williams
household was predominantly pro-Confederate, but like many other families
of East Tennessee, there were sons on opposing sides of the conflict. Sons,
Thomas Lanier Williams and Maj. William D. Williams (of Morgan's Cavalry)
wore Confederate gray, while brother Joseph Williams served as an Union
officer.

Rear view of the Dickson-Williams house.

Gen. John Hunt Morgan arrived in Greenville,
Sept. 3 1864. Since the Williams mansion was the largest and finest home
in Greeneville, it was natural for him to request quarters there. The widow,
Catharine Williams, who was known as a southern sympathizer, warned Gen.
Morgan that Gillem's Union cavalry were in the area and she feared for
his safety. Catharine was also related by marriage to the General's wife's
family (Mattie Ready). Lucy Williams, the wife of Joseph Williams (union
officer) was also staying in the home. Lucy's father, Jacob Rumbough warned
Morgan "that he should not sleep away from his command". As the night unfolded,
it became clear that this advice would have saved the general's life had
he followed it.

Parlor in Williams mansion.

According to James A. Ramage, author
of "Rebel Raider: The Life of General John Hunt Morgan", therumors that accuse Lucy Rumbough Williams of disclosing Morgan's
whereabouts to Gillem's Union command at Bull's Gap are unfounded. The
individual that relayed information about Confederates being in Greeneville
wasactually a 12 year old boy by the name of James Leahy.
Leahy had earlier been befriended by Gillem's command, and so acted as
an informant for them. There is also some evidence disclosed at the MMA
reunion, that another neighbor may have also relayed a message, although
this has not confirmed. Lucy, who is frequently mentioned as the informant,
later in life declared she had nothing to do with it, and stated she would
no sooner betray Gen. Morgan as she would betray her Confederate soldier
brother. [See historic marker
about the death of Morgan]